February Q&A with Mike Gorman
(This interview orginally appeared on the FSN website)
1) Ryan Gomes has seen big minutes since Al Jefferson and Kendrick Perkins went down with injuries. He seems to have made the most of his opportunity. What do you see his role being over the second half of the season? How do you feel about his potential?
MG: Once Al and Kendrick come back Ryan’s minutes will decrease as there are only so many ways to divide 48. That said, Ryan will remain an essential piece of the puzzle. He is a legit NBA player who can be a contributing member of the Celtics for a long time.
2) Do you think Wally Szczerbiak might be a better fit for this team in the long run than Ricky Davis was? What does he bring to the team that Ricky didn’t? What did Ricky do well that will be missed?
MG: I do believe Wally is a better fit. He moves the ball, plays hard all the time, is better defensively than people think, and will shoot a better percentage than Ricky did. Wally certainly is not going to have the Sportscenter moments that Ricky does, but dunks usually don’t win games. Ricky is electric, Wally is solid. As long as I have Paul Pierce on my roster, I’ll take solid every time.
3) Paul Pierce is having another outstanding season, his 50 point game recently was the highest by a Celtics since some guy named Bird. Do you think he gets the recognition locally and nation-wide for just how good, versatile and dominant that he is?
MG: Paul Pierce is a top ten player who has demonstrated both maturity and leadership in what is shaping up as the best year of his career. He seems to be misunderstood nationally but perception seems to always trail reality. Take it from some one who sits courtside at close to 100 games a year, you cannot have any legitimate discussion about the best 2/3 players in the league without Paul in the mix. And for my money nobody, not Kobe, not Lebron, not Dwayne, gets to the basket more effectively than Paul Pierce does.
4) Raef LaFrentz has been a bit up and down this season. He’s been a pretty consistent guy in the past, is there anything that you might be able to attribute his struggles to?
MG: Raef has been asked to do many different things this season and play with different people with different styles. Once Perk gets settled into the 5 slot and Al is healthy again at the 4, Raef can go back to doing what he does best - shooting 3’s, stretching the defense, and getting timely blocks and rebounds.
5) Since you’re on another road trip this week, what’s your favorite NBA city to visit and stay in on the road? What makes it so?
MG: I’m really partial to Toronto. It’s very walkable with great restaurants, theaters, shopping, and museums. In the past the exchange rate has also been very favorable. I have to admit Phoenix in February also is very appealing.
